Volume 93/Issue vi
THE
October 7th, 2019
ANCHOR
Rhode Island College’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1928
Craig-Lee redux Alison Macbeth Opinions Editor Although the newly renovated Craig-Lee Hall has been in operation since January, this weekend’s “RICFest” held a re-opening of the largest campus building. President Sánchez conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 5th surrounded by faculty, students and alumni to mark the occasion. President Sánchez remarked, “I am so so excited to re-
introduce the new CraigLee building. As you walk through this building you are going to see think-tank digitally designed classrooms and gathering spaces for independent and group study, all facilitating high impact practices.” The renovations of CraigLee Hall follows Gaige Hall’s renovation in 2017. Since he took office in July of 2016, Sánchez has been seeking funding to update Rhode Island Col-
Photos by Mark Medeiros
RIC Student Melanie Cragan
lege’s aging buildings. “I cannot overstate the importance of the design and construction of this building which embodies the Rhode Island College spirit. As part of the building’s construction we wanted to make sure that our faculty remain approachable and accessible. We envisioned this space to maintain a warm and inviting atmosphere that our students have come to expect at Rhode Island College and we created the kind of flexibility in the classrooms that facilitate the one-on-one and group interaction complimenting our small class sizes.” President Sánchez thanked
Rhode Island and the citizens of Rhode Island for ensuring the bond to make the renovation possible. Sánchez also thanked Lerner Ladds & Bartels Architects and Keough Construction Management for their work. With smiling faces, Sánchez along with honored dignitaries, said “One, two, three.. R-I-C” as they cut the ribbons. Following the ribbon-cutting, the Vice President of College Advancement and External Relations Kimberly Conway Dumpson welcomed guests in for a tour as well as an exhibit in the lobby displaying ideas for RIC’s rebranding.
Future of Whipple Hall remains undetermined Sean Richer Asst. News Editor While the bustle of construction is often seen and heard around the RIC campus, some of the buildings have not yet benefited from this new surge of renovations. Whipple Hall, on the east side of campus is one such building. Many students have expressed concern over the future of the old lecture hall, and even its structural stability. Alba Dominguez, a freshman commuter student commented, “Whipple is definitely the worst building to have classes, in my opinion… it's always too hot.” Perhaps the most pressing issue facing the belea-
guered building, is the large crack through the middle of the second floor. This crack stretches from almost the halfway point between the main stairwell and the window overlooking the athletic fields. No reports have been made regarding any complications caused by this crack, but students have been wary of it for some time now. “That crack is straight up scary.” said Josephine Twum, a freshman nursing student. “Who knows what that could lead to.” In September, the Assistant Vice Principal for Administration, Jeffery L. Martin, announced that Horace Mann will be the next building slated for renovation.
The Anchor Newspaper
This choice was made by a vote, although many students have shared their opinions on the wisdom of this decision. “Whipple has a literal crack through it. It's actually split in half” exclaimed Owen Jefferson, a sophomore resident student, “I think they need to get their priorities straight.” It seems that for now, the plans for Horace Mann are moving forward despite what seems to be growing concern over the future and safety of Whipple Hall. With another lengthy and likely expensive project on the docket, it may be a while before the RIC administration will give Whipple the attention it seems to desperately need. Photo by Thomas Crudale
@TheAnchorRIC
@RICTheAnchor
www.TheAnchor.news